SALT + PEPPER HOUSE

The Owners of this home love to cook, and their first requirement was a "cook's kitchen" as the centerpiece of the house.  In addition, they have a strong color preference for black and white. Thus the concept of “salt and pepper” was developed as an inspiration for the design palette. The Owners are also art collectors, so the display of art in the house was another critical component.  White walls with black framing elements became a logical extension of the concept. 

The Owners were also looking for a place of calm and relaxation, with the flexibility to transform into an entertainment space for their many gatherings. The need to open up the traditional walled-in rowhouse became apparent.  The rear second floor was removed to allow for a double-height wall of windows and sliding doors which connects the 2-story living space to the new rear garden.  As a gesture to the Owners' love of art, steel was used as both a structural and decorative element in the house and garden. "Pops" of color sprinkled in to add some spice to the composition.  

Carmen grew up and lived her formative years in Puerto Rico. As a young woman she moved to the United States to pursue a career. After more than 30 years of traveling and living away from Puerto Rico, Carmen decided she wanted her DC row house to be reminiscent of her island home.

The architects responded with four key strategies:  Color, Light, and Materiality.

COLOR:  Colors used are traditional to Puerto Rico, and the composition acts as a 3-dimensional collage within the house.  The east wall is lined with large sculptural storage elements painted orange and yellow. Other elements are neutral black to contrast the rich colors. The west wall is lined with colorful artwork from Carmen’s collection of local and island artists.

LIGHT:  Most of the interior walls were removed and large windows placed on both levels of the rear facade, accentuating a double height space. A center skylight was enlarged and the stairs designed w/ open risers. Casement windows replaced all the original double hung windows, and light colors highlight surrounding ceilings and walls.

MATERIALITY:  The living space flooring is white porcelain tile, while the second floor is a dark bamboo. The wood “mampara” screen at the stairs is a white-washed poplar, and is framed with blackened steel. The poplar reappears on the second level and at the rear “bridge,” terminating at the Juliette balcony.  Pendant lights are fabricated with bamboo and coated papers.

BEFORE KUBE